Citroën Berlingo
| Company type | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Citroën ZX/Peugeot 306 estate (platform) |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Gilles Vidal (designer of second generation Berlingo) |
| Products | Light commercial vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles |
| Parent | PSA Group (original), Stellantis (current) |
The Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner represent a series of vans launched in 1996, marketed under the Citroën and Peugeot marques. These vehicles serve as either light commercial vehicles or passenger-oriented multi-purpose vehicles, initially developed by the French PSA Group, now integrated into the global Stellantis corporation. The third iteration is also distributed as the Combo by Opel and Vauxhall Motors, branded as the Proace City by Toyota since 2019, and offered as the Doblò by Fiat starting in 2022.
The lineup includes panel van models alongside passenger versions known as the Berlingo Multispace, Partner Combi, Partner Tepee, and, for the third generation, the Peugeot Rifter. In Italy, the initial Partner was sold under the name Peugeot Ranch. These vehicles were originally constructed on the platform shared with the Citroën ZX/Peugeot 306 estate.
Featuring a squared cargo area combined with an aerodynamic front profile, these vans are considered conceptual successors to the Citroën 2CV panel van (AK400). The 2018 models of Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner/Rifter share their design architecture with the Vauxhall/Opel Combo, a result of PSA’s acquisition of Opel.
Both models have been available with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) options as well as electric powertrains, utilizing four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
First generation (M49; 1996)
The Berlingo and Partner made their official debut in July 1996.
During the 1996 Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveiled three Berlingo concept variants: the Berlingo Coupé de Plage, Berline Bulle, and Grand Large. The Grand Large concept later evolved into the Multispace and Combi versions tailored for passenger transport and leisure activities, while the Berline Bulle served as a precursor to the Citroën C3 model.
Production of pre-facelift versions persisted in Argentina until 2010, at which point an updated model was introduced.
Facelift (M59; 2002)
A refreshed edition was released in September 2002, featuring a redesigned instrument panel reminiscent of the Peugeot 206, updated interior elements, and a revamped front fascia for both Berlingo I and Partner I. Minor revisions followed in 2004, including updates to grille styling and light assemblies.
After launching the second-generation Berlingo and Rifter, first-generation units continued to be sold under the names "Citroën Berlingo First" and "Peugeot Partner Origin."
In 2010, electric versions were launched: Berlingo First Electrique and Partner Origin Electric. These were powered by technology from Monégasque company Venturi and assembled in Solesmes, Sarthe.
In Argentina, Peugeot offered an off-road variant called Partner Patagónica. During the 2000s in Europe, this model was also marketed under various names such as Partner Ushuaïa Grand Raid and Partner Escapade.
Although production ceased in Europe from 2013 onward, both Berlingo and Partner continued to be manufactured in South America for both commercial and passenger use. By June 2021, updated versions of Berlingo Multispace and Partner Patagónica increased their local component content; notably, imported tailgates were replaced with barn doors produced domestically.
A minor update arrived in January 2023: Citroën’s Berlingo received a revised logo along with a new plastic grille design, while Peugeot’s Partner adopted the same grille but lost its chrome front emblem surround.
Powertrains
These vans were engineered to operate on petrol, diesel, electric power, or CNG.
| Displacement | Engine Type | Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L (1360 cc) | TU3 inline-four | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) | 121 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.4 L CNG (1360 cc) | TU3 inline-four | 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) | 121 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) CNG/Petrol |
| 1.6 L (1560 cc) | DV6 HDi inline-four | Range: 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) to 68 kW (92 PS; 91 hp) | Range: 169 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) to 216 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.6 L (1587 cc) | TU5 inline-four | 80 kW (109 PS; 107 hp) | 147 N⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.8 L (1761 cc) | XU7 petrol-injected inline-four | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) | 147 N⋅m (108 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 L (1905 cc) | XUD IDI diesel inline-four | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) | 120 N⋅m (89 lb⋅ft) |
| 1.9 L (1868 cc) | DW8 diesel inline-four | 52 kW (71 PS; 70 hp) | 127 N⋅m (94 lb⋅ft) |
| 2.0 L (1997 cc) | DW10 HDi inline-four | 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) | 205 N⋅m (151 lb⋅ft) |
| N/A | Citroën Berlingo Electrique | 28 kW (38 PS; 38 hp) | 180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft) |
Electric Variant
Between 1998 and 2005, the initial Berlingo generation was available in an electric format powered by nickel-cadmium battery technology (Citroën Berlingo Electrique). Later, a limited fleet for La Poste utilized the first-generation chassis equipped with a ZEBRA molten salt battery and a powertrain developed by Venturi Automobiles, which was delivered in 2010.
Second generation (B9; 2008)
In 2008, two new models succeeded the first-generation Peugeot Partner and Citroën Berlingo: the compact Citroën Nemo/Peugeot Bipper and the larger Citroën Berlingo II/Peugeot Partner II.
Designed by Gilles Vidal, the Berlingo II was built on the PSA PF2 platform, which it shared with the Citroën C4. This platform allowed for a slightly bigger and more upscale vehicle compared to its predecessor.
The Berlingo II was revealed in January 2008, with its European market launch following in April of the same year, and the Partner arriving in May. In certain regions such as Mexico, this generation was sold alongside the original versions under names like Grand Raid and Partner Origin.
An electric variant featuring the Mitsubishi i-MiEV drivetrain was introduced in 2013. In March 2017, Citroën expanded its electric lineup by announcing a five-seat e-Berlingo Multispace model.
Russia
This generation is also manufactured and retailed in Russia under the Peugeot Partner name—including the passenger-focused Partner Crossway—as well as the Citroën Berlingo and Berlingo Multispace. Since March 2021, an exclusive Opel Combo Cargo (and Combo Life) version has also been available in this market.
Engines
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i 16V | I4 | 1587 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 5800 rpm | 132 N⋅m (97 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 195 |
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 4000 rpm | 185 N⋅m (136 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4000 rpm | 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 149 | |
| 1.6HDi 16V | I4 | 1560 cc | 110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4000 rpm | 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1750 rpm | 140 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) | BVM5 | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 100 PS (74 kW; 99 hp) | BVM5 | 113 | |
| 1.6 BlueHDi 8V | I4 | 1560 cc | 120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) | 300 N⋅m (221 lbf⋅ft) | BVM6 | 113 |
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | Note | CO2 emission (g/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlingo Electric | 49 kW (66 hp; 67 PS) | 200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) | 0 |
Third generation (K9; 2018)
The third iteration of the Berlingo and Peugeot Rifter was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018. Following PSA's acquisition of Opel in March 2017, this platform also serves as the basis for the fourth-generation Opel and Vauxhall Combo models. Since late 2019, it has been marketed as the Toyota ProAce City, a product of the PSA-Toyota collaboration on commercial vehicles, first presented at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham. In June 2022, Fiat launched its rebadged version named the Fiat Doblò III, which includes an electric variant called the e-Doblò.
This generation also marked Berlingo's debut in the Japanese market in October 2019.
In January 2022, Stellantis halted sales of passenger vans powered by internal combustion engines—including both diesel and petrol versions—in the UK, Norway, and across the European Union to comply with strict EU CO₂ emission standards. As a result, in these regions, Berlingo, Rifter, and Combo Life are available exclusively as battery electric vehicles. However, panel van versions and Toyota-branded models continue unaffected due to differing regulatory requirements. Mild-hybrid internal combustion variants are anticipated to return in 2023.
Electric versions
Citroën introduced the electric ë-Berlingo Van on 14 January 2021. Shortly thereafter, Opel launched the Combo-e Cargo and Vauxhall released the Combo-e six days later, followed by Peugeot unveiling the e-Partner another six days after that. On 26 February 2021, Peugeot presented the e-Rifter model, and on 4 May 2021, Toyota revealed both ProAce City Electric and ProAce City Verso Electric variants.
Production of electric vans began in 2023 at the Ellesmere Port facility operated by Vauxhall.
Caselani Fourgonnette
Drawing inspiration from the 1951 Citroën 2CV Fourgonnette, the Berlingo with a vintage-style body is custom-built by the Italian company Caselani. Production is capped at 200 units, with manufacturing starting in October 2022. This model was officially presented at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.
Facelift
Revealed on 23 October 2023, the updated model features significant technological enhancements throughout the range. For the European market, engine options include a 1.2 Turbo PureTech delivering 110 HP and two diesel variants, the 1.5 BlueHDi DV5 available in 100 and 130 HP outputs. Additionally, a Euro 7-compliant 1.2 Turbo Mild Hybrid generating 122 HP is planned for release in mid-2025, designed to meet stricter emission regulations while improving fuel economy.
Worldwide sales and production
| Year | Global production | Global sales | Remarks | ||
| Berlingo | Partner | Berlingo | Partner | ||
| 2008 | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | Template:TBA | 147,600 | |
| 2009 | Template:TBA | 120,500 | Template:TBA | 133,300 | |
| 2010 | Template:TBA | 164,600 | Template:TBA | 160,200 | |
| 2011 | 164,162 | 167,368 | 165,807 | 165,240 | By this year, total Berlingo production reached 2,448,214 units. Partner production totaled 1,964,054 units. |
| 2012 | 136,800 | 142,300 | 139,800 | 149,800 | Cumulative Berlingo output reached 2,585,000 units. Partner cumulative output was 2,106,300 units. |